Blog - The Purbottar

04 May

Bandhan Innovation Fund completes two years, bets big on India’s innovation-driven companies

Business BureauBusiness

Bandhan Mutual Fund has said its Bandhan Innovation Fund has completed two years of investing in innovation-led businesses, focusing on companies driving long-term growth through technology, research and differentiated business models. Launched with a specialised mandate, the fund invests in firms with strong research and development spending, high-skilled employee intensity, differentiated products and services, non-linear business models and strong brand presence. The strategy aims to identify businesses whose growth is driven more by innovation cycles than traditional economic or commodity cycles. Prateek Poddar, Fund Manager of the fund, said innovation has become a key factor for companies seeking durable competitive…

04 May

Landslide in Sight for NDA in Assam; Himanta Gears Up for Second Term

riya EditorAssam

The BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is heading towards a landslide victory in Assam on Monday, with counting trends till noon indicating that the alliance has crossed the two-thirds mark in the 126-member Assembly, firmly positioning itself for return to power for a third consecutive term. This spectacular performance by the NDA has also set the stage for Himanta Biswa Sarma's second term as the Chief Minister of the state. The BJP alone is leading in over 75 seats, comfortably ahead of the Congress, which is ahead in only around 25 seats. BJP's allies, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and…

04 May

First Assamese Woman Newsreader Lily Das Malik Passes Away

riya EditorAssam

Lily Das Malik, one of the most iconic voices of Assamese radio journalism and a pioneering figure in public broadcasting, passed away in Bengaluru on Sunday night, family sources said. She was 90. Widely remembered as the first Assamese woman to serve as a newsreader with All India Radio, she played a defining role in shaping Assamese radio news during the golden age of broadcasting. Her mesmerizing voice and unique style of news reading endeared her to the listeners and made her a household name in the state in during the 1950s, a time when societal restrictions made it difficult…

03 May

Assam Verdict 2026: NDA Tightens Grip or Congress Stages a Surprise Revival?

riya EditorAssam

The results of the Assam Assembly elections, to be announced on Monday (May 4), will decide whether the BJP-led NDA can retain its stronghold or if the Congress-led six-party alliance can pull off a surprise upset. The BJP contested the April 9 polls eyeing a third consecutive term in power, while the Congress, weakened by several defections to the BJP, aimed for a return after a decade out of office. Exit polls predicted a comfortable NDA victory with over 90 of the 126 seats, boosting BJP’s hopes for a hat-trick. The Congress dismissed these projections as “highly exaggerated,” alleging that…

03 May

Inside the Control Room: How HPCL Uses Real-Time Monitoring to Power India’s Energy Demand

Business BureauBusiness

State-run Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) delivered 392 lakh LPG cylinders across the country between April 1 and May 1, 2026, driven by a technology-based real-time monitoring and control system aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply and faster response to demand fluctuations. The company said its centralised control and monitoring framework continuously tracks consumption trends, booking patterns and inventory levels across regions to enable instant decision-making and supply balancing. On May 1 alone, HPCL delivered 8.6 lakh LPG cylinders nationwide. During the period, HPCL supplied 12,94,451 KL of Motor Spirit (MS) and 22,19,479 KL of High-Speed Diesel (HSD). On May…

03 May

Assam Chief Secretary Issues Directives to Enforce Solid Waste Management Rules

riya EditorAssam

Assam Chief Secretary Ravi Kota on Saturday issued directions for effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Rules, 2026, across the state, in compliance with the orders of the Supreme Court and provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. “District Commissioners have been authorized to conduct infrastructure audits and undertake quarterly performance reviews of urban and rural local bodies. Co-District Commissioners are also empowered to undertake inspections and ensure urban-rural convergence of waste management infrastructure,” the Chief Secretary said. Kota said that all urban and rural local bodies have been directed to ensure 100 percent compliance with SWM rules,…

03 May

Advanced Neurosurgical OT Inaugurated at AIIMS Guwahati

riya EditorAssam

AIIMS Guwahati has taken a significant step forward in strengthening super-specialty healthcare services in the Northeast region with the formal unveiling of its Advanced Neurosurgical Operation Theatre (OT) facility. The state-of-the-art facility was formally inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Puranik, Executive Director, AIIMS Guwahati, in the presence of dignitaries including Surendra Kumar Majhi, Senior General Manager & Head of Project, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). The advanced neurosurgical OT has been established with financial support of Rs 6.5 crore provided by Power Grid Corporation of India Limited under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The funding enabled procurement…

03 May

NorthEast United FC Clinch Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Inter Kashi FC in Indian Super League

riya EditorAssam

NorthEast United FC clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory over 10-man Inter Kashi FC in their first-ever Indian Super League (ISL 12) meeting at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday. Jithin MS (45+2’) gave the Highlanders the lead on the stroke of half-time, before Andy Rodriguez (63’) doubled the advantage from the spot. Inter Kashi fought back through Sergio Llamas (71’) and Mohammed Asif (82’), but Parthib Gogoi (90’) struck late to seal all three points. The result takes NorthEast United FC to 10 points from 11 matches. Juan Pedro Benali’s men began on the front foot and…

03 May

Book on National Register of Citizens Launched in Guwahati

riya EditorAssam

A book on the assessment of the National Registrar of Citizens (NRC) exercise in Assam was launched in Guwahati on Saturday. The book, “NRC-Turning Hope into Despair, has been authored by senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika, who is also a Supreme Court-appointed Commissioner to report on the India-Bangladesh border, and Shantanu Parashar, serving as District Project Supervisor, NRC for Dhubri district. The book examines the historical origins of the NRC, its legal foundations, procedural mechanisms, and political context. “The book examines the process and impact of migration over the last 100 years, with the indigenous population projected to turn into a…

02 May

Valvoline launches FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign celebrating fans’ journey to the game

Business BureauBusiness

Valvoline Global Operations has launched its global campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting the dedication of football fans and the mechanics who help keep their journeys running smoothly. The campaign, unveiled on Tuesday, positions the company’s engine oil products as a key companion for fans travelling long distances to witness football’s biggest tournament. The campaign is anchored by Valvoline’s first-ever FIFA World Cup-themed advertisement titled “The Original Engine Oil. For the Driven.” The film traces the emotional journeys of football supporters travelling by cars, buses, trucks and motorcycles, while also reflecting on the brand’s 160-year legacy in the…